As a photographer I like to get close into peoples lives to capture authentic and intimate moments. I studied International Business and worked in the fast-moving consumer goods industry for 10 years. In 2013 I switched careers and started studying at the Photo Academy in Amsterdam and graduated in 2017. My photography is a mix of social engaged projects, personal work and client commissions, all of which are shot with a documentary approach.
I am big fan of the photojournalistic approach so I don’t interfere and keep an eye out for genuine moments happening in front of my lens. In my work I focus on milestones such as reunifications, births and weddings. Life wrapped up in love, hope and happiness. It is an honor to be invited into people’s lives to capture and document important events. I am always looking for interesting images that tell a story and celebrate life. My style is unposed and my goal is to bring you back to the moment to relive your experience.
With my husband Matthijs and our son Tibbe I live in the beautiful city of Naarden. If you would like to get in touch with me to find out more about what I offer please feel free to contact me via email (selmavanderbijl@gmail.com), phone or WhatsApp (06 42866142).
Portret: Simone-Michelle de Blouw
Awards
2021 Zilveren Camera 2020 – 1st prize Documentair Nationaal serie
2021 Paul Peters Fotoprijs – 3rd prize
2020 World Report Award | Documenting Humanity – finalist Single Shot category
2020 Siena International Photo Award – finalist
2019 World Report Award | Documenting Humanity – finalist Single Shot category
2019 Documentary Family Awards – birth category
2018 Alfred Fried Photography Award
2018 Zilveren Camera 2017 – 1st prize kunst cultuur en entertainment enkel
2018 Paul Peters Fotoprijs – 1st prize
2017 Sony World Photography Awards – 2nd prize
2015 DIGIFOTO Pro – Straatfotografie in kleur – 1st prize
2015 Masters of Dutch Wedding Photography Award
Exhibitions
2021 Hilversum – Museum Hilversum – Zilveren Camera
2020 Lodi (Italy) – Festival of Ethical Photography
2019 Lodi (Italy) – Festival of Ethical Photography
2019 Rome – Austrian Cultural Forum Rome – Alfred Fried Photography Award
2019 Hilversum – Museum Hilversum – Canon Zilveren Camera
2019 Naarden – DeMess – Geluk(t)
2018 Hilversum – Museum Hilversum – Canon Zilveren Camera
2018 Amersfoort – SP Landelijk Partijbureau – Paul Peters Fotoprijs
2018 Amsterdam – Amsterdam Museum – 50 jaar Paradiso – Lovedance
2017 Amsterdam – Loods 6 – Fotoacademie Graduation Expo – Always Now
2017 London – Somerset House – Sony World Photography Awards
Publications
VluchtelingenWerk Magazine – winter 2020
Der Spiegel (online) – december 2019 – So viel Glück
De Tribune – februari 2019
Hollandse Beelden – nummer 7 2018
De Tribune – maart 2018
SHUTR.PHOTO – nr 1 2018
Gooi-en Eemlander – 29 januari 2018
PAROOL – 10 januari 2018
VluchtelingenWerk Magazine – special gezinshereniging 2017
DIGIFOTO Pro